Julian Strawther Has Optimistic Reaction After Nuggets’ First Two Preseason Games

The Denver Nuggets are going into this season with a very experienced group of players. They are keeping the same core as last year with Jamal Murray, Christian Bruan, Cameron Johnson, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic, and they signed forward DeMar DeRozan to come off the bench. 

While there aren't many, there are some young players to keep an eye on in Denver this season. One of them is guard Julian Strawther, who might have the best opportunity to have a breakout season. 

In the Nuggets' most recent preseason game against the Utah Jazz, he had a strong showing. He finished with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 18 minutes of action. He shot well from the floor as well, shooting 4-7 from the field and 3-4 from downtown. 

After the game, he reflected on how the Nuggets' first two preseason games have gone for him, and he had a positive response. 

"We've got a lot of like-minded guys in the locker room," Strawther said. "I feel like everybody plays the right way."

Strawther's statement about this team's mindset makes sense, as most of the players have a lot of experience. Four of the five players on this year's starting lineup were part of the 2023 championship roster, giving them a lot of experience to offer. 

This kind of leadership could help Julian Strawther as he looks to find more playing time this season. Denver is a team that is expected to make a deep playoff run, and if Strawther can help them get there, it could solidify him as a long-term piece. 

In his first three seasons in the NBA, he has not had many opportunities to have a season where he can truly break out. For his career, Strawther averages 7.1 points per game, 1.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists. 

If he can get on the same page with the rest of this veteran locker room, he could see a spike in production. The difference between this year's Nuggets team and last year's is health. Last season, power forward Aaron Gordon missed significant time due to constant hamstring injuries. 

Former Nuggets guard Peyton Watson missed a chunk of the season as well and was not available for the postseason, leaving Denver at a disadvantage in that area. 

The Nuggets will need a new young player to emerge as a spark plug off the bench this season, and it could be Julian Strawther's chance to be that player. He has continuity with the roster, and now that the team has a chip on its shoulder, it could be exactly what he needs to make his mark in Denver.